Tennessee running back DeSean Bishop has been named one of 10 semifinalists for the Burlsworth Trophy for the second straight year, Tennessee Athletics announced Tuesday. The award goes to the most outstanding college football player who began his career as a walk-on.
The honor fits Bishop's story. The Knoxville native started at Tennessee as a walk-on and has become one of the most productive running backs in the country.
After rushing for 109 yards in last week's win over No. 6 Kentucky, Bishop became just the second player in program history with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, joining Johnnie Jones, who did it in 1983 and 1984.
Entering Week 11, Bishop is one of only four FBS players this season with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, according to Tennessee. He has scored in 12 of his last 13 games dating to last season. His 1,066 rushing yards rank second in the SEC and 10th nationally, and he leads the FBS with 661 rushing yards in the second half of games. Pro Football Focus credits him with 752 yards after contact, sixth in the nation.
Bishop has been at his best late. Tennessee said he leads the nation with 369 fourth-quarter rushing yards and six fourth-quarter touchdowns. Against teams currently ranked in the AP poll, he leads the country in carries, rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. He has six 100-yard games this season, including five straight.
The other semifinalists are Baylor receiver Gavin Freeman, FAU receiver Easton Messer, Houston lineman Anthony Boswell, Indiana lineman Drew Evans, Iowa State's Aiden Flora, North Carolina defensive lineman Xavier Lewis, Notre Dame receiver Jordan Faison, Oklahoma State quarterback Drew Mestemaker and USC running back King Miller.
Three finalists will be announced Nov. 17, and the winner will be named Dec. 7 in Bentonville, Arkansas. Bishop is also a Maxwell Award semifinalist and a Heisman Trophy candidate. The No. 9 Vols play at Texas A&M on Saturday.
Sources: Tennessee Athletics; Pro Football Focus